Claremorris unveiled as Ireland’s first fibre power town

Ireland’s first fibre power town is being developed in Claremorris, Co Mayo, following a €0.5m investment from open access network operator enet.

All businesses in the town will have access to superfast broadband, with internet speeds of 250Mbs available from AirSpeed Telecom. enet has also announced that it has similar projects planned for other towns in Ireland, following the launch by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D. Business broadband access

All businesses will have access to fibre-optic broadband and telephone services, providing businesses with a platform from which to work.

The Fibre To The Business network is Ireland’s first, and enet fibredirect prepares companies for the future by providing a competitive business broadband experience.

enet fibredirect is a 100% fibre power service, with fibre-optic cables being delivered directly into the premises rather than relying on old copper networks. enet claims that their fibre direct network allows for the advertised broadband speeds to be reached, while stating that businesses will be able to access 250Mbs speeds, rather than an ‘up to’ estimate. Construction on the new network is underway and is due for completion in August, with more than 50% of businesses in Claremorris having already subscribed to services from AirSpeed Telecom.

This customer acquisition in the town by AirSpeed Telecom meant market conditions were suitable for the investment from enet, prompting the development of the new network.

Business growth

“Building superfast broadband networks is essential for supporting the businesses and jobs of tomorrow,” said An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D.

“I firmly believe that recent developments in broadband investment will see Ireland catapulted to the top of international league tables for speed and bandwidth,” he continued.

He added that projects such as the one from enet are ‘crucial’ in ‘supporting balanced regional development and congratulated the companies that have worked together to achieve it.

Minister Pat Rabbitte T.D. described the launch as “an important day” for everyone working in Claremorris.

“enet’s decision to invest in the creation of a direct fibre link to each of the town’s businesses will provide the sort of industry-strength broadband that is essential if they are to grow and create jobs,” he said.

“This is the kind of infrastructural investment that Ireland needs to foster digital entrepreneurship and increase competitiveness.”

enet expects Claremorris to be the first of a number of towns across Ireland that will benefit from the new digital network that is being set up.

“By building a fibre network directly into every business, we are doing something no one else has done in Ireland,” explained Conal Henry, enet CEO.

“This fibre network completely replaces the out-of-date copper network which has reached its end of life – every business can finally get broadband from a broadband network!”